Today she is not just a politician; she is the first Hindu in Congress, an anti-war military veteran, and now Trump’s controversial choice for Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Tulsi Gabbard’s political journey has all the twists and turns of a thriller. Born in American Samoa, raised in Hawaii and now in contact with conservative America, she is not just any politician.

Tulsi Gabbards political evolution could rival a soap opera in its twists. She arrived on the scene first Hindu chosen for the US. Congress – Hawaiian, Hindu, but not Indian. Her career has been anything but predictable, moving from anti-establishment progressive to Trump-supporting conservative in what felt like record time. Today she is not just a politician; she is the first Hindu in Congressan anti-war military vet, and now Trump’s controversial choice Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Tulsi Gabbard’s political journey has all the twists and turns of a thriller. Born in American Samoa, raised in Hawaii and now in contact with conservative America, she is not just any politician.
First Hindu in Congress? Bill.
Anti-war military vet? Bill.
Bernie Sanders’ Cheerleader Turned Trump Loyalist? You better believe it.

Youngest lawmaker turned anti-interventionist crusader

Gabbard’s journey started early. At just 21 years old, she became Hawaii’s youngest state legislator and quickly moved to Congress, where she represented Hawaii for four terms while serving as a major in the Army National Guard. Her deployments in Iraq and Kuwait have crystallized her anti-interventionist stance – a stance she remains steadfast in even when it puts her at odds with the establishment. That’s why she famously met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017, calling it “fact-finding” — a move that sparked controversy and suspicion about her approach to diplomacy.

Breaking up with the Democrats

In 2016, Gabbard made her first major break with the Democratic Party, resigning as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee to support Bernie Sanders. But in 2022 she was completely done with the party, calling it an “elitist cabal of warmongers.” From pro-Sanders to pro-Trump, Gabbard’s transformation confused many of her early supporters, cementing her reputation as one of the most unpredictable figures in modern American politics.

The Harris Takedown: Gabbard’s Defining Moment

If there’s one moment that cemented Gabbard’s reputation as a fierce, no-nonsense debater, it was her victory over Kamala Harris in the 2020 Democratic primaries. In a few brutal minutes, Gabbard dissected Harris’ record as a prosecutor, highlighting her role in jailing more than 1,500 people for marijuana violations, allegedly keeping prisoners out of prison because of cheap labor, and perpetuating a cash bail system that disproportionately affected the poor. Harris, who had been a front-runner, visibly stumbled under Gabbard’s relentless criticism, and her campaign never fully recovered. For Gabbard, it was a strategic victory that cemented her reputation as a candidate unafraid to challenge her own party — and for Harris, the beginning of the end.

America first, NATO last?

Donald Trump with Tulsi Gabbard

On foreign policy, Gabbard is known for his skeptical attitude towards the US. involvement abroad. She has criticized NATO’s role in the Ukraine conflict, arguing that America should avoid interfering in the affairs of other countries unless it is directly threatened. This stance has endeared her to the Trump base but has alienated more traditional hawks on both sides of the aisle.

The Desi Connection

Gabbard took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita and represented Hawaii. As a devout Hindu, she pledged support to Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to establish an International Day of Yoga, seeing yoga as a way to promote health and peace. Gabbard shared the Bhagavad Gita with Modi, highlighting the West’s limited understanding of ancient Vedic knowledge.
On Kashmir, she acknowledged the historical complexity of the region and emphasized that the solution must come internally, with respect for India’s sovereignty. Facing challenges over her Hindu identity, Gabbard criticized religious profiling in American politics and condemned accusations that she is a “Hindu nationalist.” She advocates inclusivity and warns against religious intolerance in America.
Looking back on the Gita, she described it as a spiritual “lifeline” during turbulent times, including her military service. Her message on Janmashtami emphasized the guidance of the Gita through life’s challenges. In 2021, Gabbard condemned religious violence in Bangladesh, urged the protection of minorities and expressed sadness over attacks on Hindus, urging respect for religious diversity worldwide.

The Intelligence Leap: Trump’s Choice for DNI

Now Gabbard has entered Trump’s orbit as his nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Her role will include overseeing the country’s eighteen intelligence agencies, from the CIA to the NSA, and providing critical security insights to Trump. Her appointment to a position with so much at stake has raised eyebrows given her lack of direct intelligence experience. Still, Trump appreciates her commitment to civil liberties and cautious foreign engagement, and sees her as a fresh, non-traditional candidate for the role.

What does a DNI actually do?

As DNI, Gabbard will coordinate interagency intelligence operations, set national security priorities and brief the President on key threats. She will also oversee counterintelligence, manage intelligence budgets and ensure intelligence activities are aligned with those of the US. values. It’s a role that requires keen judgment and composure – a test for Gabbard, whose anti-interventionist stance will face new challenges in the intelligence world.

Tulsi Gabbard: America’s Most Unclassifiable Politician

Gabbard defies easy categorization. She is Hindu but not Indian, a democrat turned Trump ally and an anti-interventionist now at the helm of the US. intelligence. Her political life is one of constant reinvention, at a time when American politics often resists fluidity. Outside of politics, Gabbard is a noted fitness enthusiast, often seen surfing in Hawaii or lifting weights. Her dedication to working out — and her penchant for sharing photos of her routines — have even earned her the label of “thirst trap,” which contributes to her multifaceted public image.

Whether driven by strategic repositioning or ideological conviction, Tulsi Gabbard’s journey exemplifies the complex and shifting threads of American politics, with each new chapter only adding to its enigmatic allure.